Dead end connectors



P 1963 J. J. KLOSIN 1 3,403,219

DEAD END CONNECTORS Filed Oct. 24, 1966 2 Sheets-$heet l INVENTOR )8 JOHN J. KLOS/N "foam .1

ATTORNEY J. J. KLOSIN DEAD END CONNECTORS Sept. 24, 1968 Filed Oct. 24, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 v mvsu'ron JOHN J. KLOSIN "M ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,403,219 DEAD END CONNECTORS John J. Klosin, 32 Colburn Road, East Brunswick, NJ. 08816 Filed Oct. 24, 1966, Ser. No. 588,826 Claims. (Cl. 174--79) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A compression type dead end connector formed from a clevis and a continuous tube having a flat central portion with a reverse loop and an arcuate portion and securement means associated with the clevis to secure the continuous tube to the clevis at the flat portion reverse loop and arcuate portions with the entire clevis and a portion of the continuous tube adjacent the clevis being coated with a rigid elastomeric material, In the second embodiment the clevis is formed of two parts with one part being a tube carrier and the other part being adapted to control the position of the tube carrier so as to increase or decrease the tension on the dead end connector.

In general, this invention relates to a new and improved dead end cable connector and, more particularly, to compression type dead end connectors which are simple in construction, easy to use and, in one embodiment, can be adjusted so as to vary the tension on cables anchored by the connector to the fixed support on which it is mounted.

Dead end connectors are utilized to terminate electrical line conductors or cables at specified intervals in electrical utility lines, where the line tension must be restrained. In the construct-ion of a particular electrical transmission line, the specifications may require that a dead end point be provided at each sixth structure. At the intermediate structures, the electrical line would be suspended in clamps well known in the art. At the dead end structure, the tension in the section of the line is restrained.

The dead end connector normally has two connection points. The first is known as the line connection and is connected directly to the line conductor or cable. The line connection is required to restrain a high percentage of the breaking strength of the electrical conductor size used. This percentage of breaking strength often is in excess of 90 percent. If the line is to continue, an electrical length is compressed in the other connection point of the dead end assembly known as the loop connection. Thus, the electrical conductor length is looped over the supporting structure and terminated in a loop connection of a similar dead end connector mounted on the opposite side of the structure. The line connection is made to the dead end connector on the opposite side of the structure and the cable continues.

If the electrical line is to be completely terminated, as at the final structure in a line, the loop connection would not be utilized and the connector would become what is known as a dead dead end. In the past, dead end connectors have been formed of a single tube having a flanged end fitting within a U-shaped clevis member which was connected to the insulator on the supporting structure. The tubular member had its line connection made through its free end and the loop connection through its flanged end. This was diflicult to do as the short length of electrical conductor used for the loop connection had to be bent to fit within the loop of the U-shaped clevis. Further, in insulated primary electric systems where the lineman maintains equipment with gloves, necessitating that all live parts be insulated, the lineman had to tape the entire dead end connector with high voltage electrical tape. Since this was done on lines carrying high voltage, it was dangerous. Further, the loose fit between the flanged tube and the U-shaped clevis member made it difficult to easily tape the entire unit.

In suspending the line between the large number of support-ing structures such as towers, it is important that all the lines be equally sagged so as to provide uniform tension on the towers since the developed tension is directly related to the amount of sag provided in each line between any two of such supporting structures. Moreover, the sag adjustment varies in accordance with the size of the cable conductor and the line construction practice. Thus as the sag is increased, the tension on the fixed support tower will be reduced. Conversely, if the Sag is reduced, the tension in the supporting structure will be increased. In my US. Patent 2,866,844 issued December 30, 1958, on Dead End Connectors, I disclosed an adjustable dead end connector which enables the lineman to vary the tension in the line. However, this dead end connector had one major difliculty. That is, the dead end connector shown in US. Patent 2,866,844 required that the dead end connector be disconnected from the insulator and have its clevis rotated about a bolt to shorten or extend the line. The dead end was then reassembled to the insulator. This method is time consuming because the line had to be held by block and tackle to support the cable weight while the clevis adjustment was being made. Understandably, the adjustment could not be as precise as would have been desirable.

Therefore, it is the general object of the invention to avoid and overcome the foregoing and other difliculties of prior art practices by the provision of a new and better dead end connector.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a compression type dead end connector which can adjust the sag or tension on a line while remaining assembled to the line insulator.

A still further object of this invention -is the provision of a new and better compression type dead end connector which is totally insulated and does not require taping after connection of the line and loop to the connector.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a new and more economical dead end connector which is smaller in size than those utilized in the past but which achieves all of the advantages of the prior art structures.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of a new and better dead end connector in which the loop connector portion is designed for easy access and utilization.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

The objects of the present invention are achieved by utilizing a dead end connector constructed from two basic components, a formed tube having a flat portion and a clevis. The formed tube having a flat portion is formed into a reverse loop configuration to provide a first restraining point that places the formed tube in compression and double shear. This enables the flattened portion to withstand high tensile loading. A second restraining point maintains the tube in position and prevents yielding under tension of the loop connection. Thus, the structure provides for the high line tension expected and additionally eliminates the need for welding or bracing of two tubular components together as had been necessary in the past. Further, the dead end design eliminates the need for a two piece field assembly since the connector is assembled complete in one piece. Because of the fixed relationship between the tubular components and the clevis, the entire dead end connector can be coated at the factory with the exception of a removable insulating boot which can be placed in position over the line and slipped over the line connector or loop connector portions of the dead end connector so as to obviate the need for any taping on the site.

From a mechanical standpoint, therefore, the dead end connector provides the required resistance to line tension in an assembled unit and eliminates the need for field assembly.

Electrically, the basic dead end provides a continuous electrical current path from the line connector to the loop connector without mechanical or welded joints.

The second embodiment of the present invention is an adjustable dead end connector which is constructed in a manner substantially similar to the fixed dead end connector discussed above with the addition of a U-shaped member which rides in the clevis and can have its position with respect to the clevis adjusted. The U-shaped member carries with it the formed tube having a flattened portion so that the position of the formed tube having a flattened portion can be varied, and accordingly, the line tension or sag can be adjusted. The adjustment is made by loosening one nut and turning another without requiring that the clevis in any way be moved. Accordingly, the clevis can remain attached to the insulator during the adjustment and, therefore, a more precise adjustment can be achieved without the need for the block and tackle arrangement of the prior art practices.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention there are shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIGURE 1 is an exploded view of the parts forming the dead end connector of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the assembled dead end connector of the present invention.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the dead end connector of FIGURES 1 and 2 after coating with an insulating material.

FIGURE 4 is a side plan view of the dead end connector mounted on an insulator and supporting a line conductor and a loop conductor.

FIGURE 5 is a bottom plan view of the showing of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a cross sectional view of an adjustable dead end connector built in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIGURE 7 is a top plan view of the adjustable connector of FIGURE 6.

FIGURE 8 is a cross sectional view of the connector of FIGURE 6 taken along lines 8-8.

In FIGURE 1, there is shown the dead end connector 10 of the present invention prior to assembly. The dead end connector 10- comprises two basic components, a formed aluminum tube 12 and a plated steel clevis 14. The tube 12 is held in place in the clevis 14 by a large diameter pin 16, and a small diameter pin 18.

The tubular component 12 has a flat portion 20 formed into a reverse loop 22 which has a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of pin 16. After the reverse loop 22 is formed, the flat portion 20 is again bent to form an arcuate portion 24 which terminates in the loop connector 26 formed at a 135 degree angle to the main or line connector portion 28 of the tubular component 12. The tubular component 12 is placed in the U-shaped clevis 14 which has upstanding side Walls 30 and 32 and a bottom wall 34. The side walls 30 and 32 have aligned holes for receiving the pin connecting the clevis to an insulator; aligned holes 40 and 42 for receiving the large diameter pin 16; and aligned holes 44 and 46 for receiving the small diameter pin 18. The tubular component 12 is positioned in the clevis 14 with the flat portion 20 of the reverse loop 22 resting on the bottom surface 34 of the clevis 14. The reverse loop 22 is aligned with the holes 40 and 42 and the arcuate portion 24 is aligned with the holes 44 and 46. Then, as shown best in FIGURE 2,

the pins 16 and 18 are respectfully passed through openings 40 and 42 and loop 22; and openings 44 and 46 and arcuate portion 24. Then, the ends of the pins 16 and 18 are peene d so as to hold ends 16 and 18 in place on the clevis 14. This will hold the tubular component 12 of the dead end connector 10 fixedly in place. The flat portion 20 is both in compression and double shear. The pin 18 prevents the loop connection 12 yielding under tension. The bottom portion 34 bears against the flat portion of the tubular component 12 to minimize or eliminate ra dial movement of the flat tube about the pin 16.

After assembly in the manner shown in FIGURE 2, the flat portion 20 and a small portion of the loop and line connectors 26 and 28 are coated with an electrically insulating material 50. This coating of the major portion of the dead end connector 10 after assembly and prior to installation eliminates the need for taping of the dead end connector by the lineman as was required with the prior art dead end connectors. The dead end connector 10 is also provided with at least one tubular boot 52 adapted to fit over the loop connector 26 and having an enlarged diameter for fitting over the coating 50. The boot 52 is cup-shaped and is fitted over the loop connector 26 when the dead end connector 10 is to be utilized as a dead dead end connector. The boot 52 can further be utilized during the mounting with the loop conductor by cutting off the bottom of the cup-shaped boot 52 and sliding the boot over the loop conductor until after the loop conductor has been compressed within the loop connector 26. Then, the boot 52 is merely slid into place over the loop connector 26. Again, there is no need for taping the dead end connector.

The dead end connector 10 is best shown mounted in place in FIGURES 4 and 5. That is, in FIGURE 4 the clevis 14 is shown mounted on an insulator 56 by means of a suitable pin 58. The pin 58 can be made of an insulating material such as plastic. The tubular portion 12 includes the loop connector 26 and the line connector 28. The loop conductor 60 is placed with the loop connector 26 and, by a suitable tool, compressed into place. Similarly, the line conductor 62 is compression connected to the line connector 28. The tubular component 12 provides a continuous electrical path between the loop conductor 60 and the line conductor 62 as best shown in FIGURE 4. The coating 50 over the clevis 14 and the central portion of the tubular component 12 eliminates arcing prob lerns and obviates the necessity for taping the dead end connector 10. The loop connector 26 and the line connector 28 can be taped in the field or cylindrical boots such as the boot 52 shown in FIGURE 3 can be utilized to insulate these portions of the dead end connector 10.

If the dead end connector 10 is a dead dead end connector, the design shown in FIGURES 1-5 could be altered to provide in the tubular flat portion, only an eye to encircle the smaller diameter pin 18 rather than the entire loop connector 26. The loop connector 26 could thus be eliminated.

In FIGURES 6-8 there is shown a second embodiment of the present invention comprising an adjustable dead end connector 64 assembled from a reverse loop tubular component 66 similar to the tubular component 12 of FIGURES 1-5, a clevis 68 and a U-shaped member 70. The clevis 68 is U-shaped having a flat bottom portion 72 and side walls 74 and 76 each having, along its upper edges,.grooves 78 and 80. The width of the grooves 78 and 80 is equal to the diameter of the small diameter pin 82. In the manufacture of the dead end connector 64, pin 82 passes through the arcuate portion 84 of the tubular component 66 and has its ends within grooves 78 and 80. The U-shaped member 70 has an enlarged diameter pin 84 passing between the side walls thereof through the reverse loop 86 of the tubular component 66. The bottom 88 of the U-shaped member 70 has a hole t'herethrough through which passes a bolt 90. The bolt 90 passes through a cross member 92 extending between the side walls 74 and 76 of the clevis 68. The bolt 90 is moved inwardly or outwardly by controlling the position of suitable nuts 94 and 96. The nuts 94 and 96 are screw threaded on the bolt 90 on opposite sides of the member 92. Thus, the position of the U-shaped member 70 effectively adjusts the tension on the line held in place by the line connector 66. To increase the tension on the line the nut 94 is loosened and the nut 96 is tightened. To loosen the tension on the line, the opposite is accomplished, namely, the nut 96 is loosened and the nut 94 is also tightened with respect to the supporting rod 92. The pin 82 rides in the grooves 78 and 80 so as to maintain the tubular component 66 in place. 01: course, this type of adjustable connector requires that it be taped after assembly. However, the connection of the loop conductor to the loop connector is simple as the loop connector is easily accessible, Further, the tubular component 66 is held fixedly in place after mounting, and since the entire unit is relatively compact, it will be simpler for the lineman to tape the dead end connector of the present invention than the prior art devices discussed above.

Further, since the adjustment is achieved without the necessity of rotating the clevis or the tubular component 66, the adjustment can be made after the dead end connector is mounted in the insulator and so a more precise adjustment can be achieved. This has eliminated the need for block and tackles to support the cable weight during adjustment as has been required in the past.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. A compression type dead end cable connector comprising a clevis, said clevis including means for mounting the clevis on an insulating support, a rigid continuous conducting tube having a flattened portion in the center thereof and having at least one cylindrical end for receiving the end of the cable, said cylindrical end being capable of connection to the cable by compression of said cylindrical end, first and second securement means for securing said rigid conducting tube at the center flattened portion at spaced points to said clevis.

2. A compression type dead end cable connector comprising a clevis, said clevis including means for mounting the clevis on an insulating support, a rigid continuous conducting tube having a flattened portion having at least one cylindrical end for receiving the end of the cable, said cylindrical end being capable of connection to the cable by compression of said cylindrical end, first and second securement means for securing said rigid conducting tube at spaced points to said clevis, said clevis having a pair of parallel legs joined by a flat back portion, said tube fitting in said clevis between said legs, said tube flattened portion resting against said flat back portion of said clevis to aid in restraining said tube.

3. A compression ty-pe dead end cable connector comprising a clevis, said clevis including means for mounting the clevis on an insulating support, a rigid continuous conducting tube having a flattened portion and having at least one cylindrical end for receiving the end of the cable, said cylindrical end being capable of connection to the cable by compression of said cylindrical end, first and second securement means for securing said rigid conducting tube at spaced points to said clevis, said clevis including a pair of legs, said tube fitting within said legs, said tube having a reverse loop portion, said first securement means extending between said legs and through said reverse loop portion to restrain said tube within said clevis.

4. The compression type dead end cable connector of claim 3 wherein said tube has an arcuate portion, said second securement means fitting between said legs and abutting said arcuate portion, said clevis including a fiat portion extending between said legs on the side of said tube opposite from said reverse loop and arcuate portions.

5. The compression type dead end cable connector of claim 3 wherein said tube has a second cylindrical end substantially angularly positioned with respect to said one cylindrical end, said second cylindrical end being adapted to receive the end of a loop line, said second cylindrical end being adapted to be connected to said loop line by compression of said second cylindrical end.

6. The compression type dead end cable connector of claim 5 wherein said second cylindrical end is at an angle of degrees with respect to said one cylindrical end.

7. A compression type dead end cable connector comprising a clevis, said clevis including means for mounting the clevis on an insulating support, a rigid continuous conducting tube having a flattened portion and having at least one cylindrical end for receiving the end of the cable, said cylindrical end being capable of connection to the cable by compression of said cylindrical end, first and second securement means for securing said rigid conducting tube at spaced points to said clevis, said tube having a portion within said clevis, said clevis and said portion of said rigid conducting tube closest to said clevis and fitting within said clevis being coated with a rigid electrically insulating material.

8. The compression type dead end cable connector of claim 7 including a boot, said boot fitting over said one cylindrical end, said boot having an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of said one cylindrical end and being slidable on said one cylindrical end.

9. A compression type dead end cable connector comprising a clevis, said clevis including means for mounting the clevis on an insulating support, a rigid continuous conducting tube having a flattened portion and hav ing at least one cylindrical end for receiving the end of the cable, said cylindrical end being capable of connection to the cable by compression of said cylindrical end, first and second securement means for securing said rigid conducting tube at spaced points to said clevis, a tube carrier, said tube carrier being slidably mounted within said clevis, said rigid conducting tube being fixedly secured to said tube carrier by at least one of said first and second securement means, and means for adjustably positioning said tube carrier in a fixed position relative to said clevis.

10. The compression type dead end c'able connector of claim 9 wherein said tube carrier includes 'a rigid screw member, said rigid screw member passing through a fixed portion of said clevis, and means for varying the longitudinal position of said tube carrier with respect to said clevis including a rotatable member separate from said clevis and tube carrier.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,792,489 2/1931 Gilmore 28720.1 X 2,866,844 12/1958 Klosin 174-79 2,879,321 3/ 1959 Nilsson. 2,907,814 10/ 1959 Raila et al. 2,966,541 12/1960 Gale. 3,134,842 5/1964 Bethea. 3,152,392 10/ 1964 Coppack et a1. 3,188,381 6/ 1965 Stillman. 3,220,677 11/ 1965 Sweeney. 3,238,290 3/ 1966 Ruple.

LARAMIE E. ASKIN, Primary Examiner. 

